A 16-year-old high school volleyball player is in intensive care with a severe traumatic brain injury after she was struck by a vehicle at a crosswalk in Tempe, Arizona, with police searching for the driver who allegedly fled the scene.
Jette Heldenbrand was crossing the road at around 10:30 p.m. on Friday, September 4, when she was hit by what investigators believe was a dark gray Mazda 3.
The collision left the high school junior with a serious head injury, a broken arm and numerous scrapes and bruises.
She was taken to Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, where she remains in the ICU.
Police Search for Damaged Mazda
Tempe police are seeking information about the vehicle involved in the crash and believe it was a four-door, dark gray Mazda 3.
Investigators said the car should have substantial damage to the front driver’s side as a result of the collision.
The driver’s side headlamp assembly and front bumper area are expected to have been damaged.
Police also said a large section, or potentially the entire front bumper cover, could be missing from the vehicle.
The investigation remains focused on identifying the driver who left the scene without stopping after the teenager was struck.
Witness Describes Horrifying Moment
Julisa Carrizosa was traveling on a bus that was leaving a volleyball game when she witnessed the crash.
Speaking to ABC 15, Carrizosa recalled fearing that the teenager might not survive the impact.
“In my eyes, I thought this person could very much be gone,” she said, describing how those around her prayed for the injured girl to survive.
Carrizosa also condemned the driver’s decision to leave.
“Nobody deserved that,” she said, adding that it was “sickening” that the person involved chose to drive away.
Family Friend Speaks About Jette
Ali Marie Beatty, a family friend, described Jette as a kind, funny and outgoing teenager who is deeply loved by those around her.
Beatty said the family has been devastated by the circumstances surrounding the crash and questioned how anyone could strike another person and simply leave.
“She’s so sweet and bubbly and funny and kind,” Beatty told AZ Family.
“It’s devastating that someone could hit somebody and drive off and leave them.”
Beatty later posed a blunt question about the unidentified driver: “How do you live with yourself?”
Volleyball Community Rallies Around Teen
Jette plays for Arizona Sky Volleyball Academy and has been described by those close to her as a warm and playful young woman.
A fundraising campaign established by Beatty described her as “the sweetest, silly young woman” and appealed for financial support for Jette and her family during her recovery.
A separate website has also been established to help raise awareness of the case and assist efforts to identify the driver.
Fundraiser Passes $43,000
The support campaign had raised more than $43,400 by Monday evening, reflecting the response from friends, members of the volleyball community and others who have rallied around the Heldenbrand family.
Jette’s loved ones continue to share updates and appeal for information that could help police determine who was behind the wheel of the Mazda involved in the September 4 crash.
Police Appeal for Information
Authorities are particularly interested in locating a dark gray Mazda 3 showing substantial damage to the front driver’s side, including the headlamp and bumper.
Anyone with information about the vehicle or the circumstances of the collision is being urged to contact the Tempe Police Department.
